The First Opponent is the fourteenth chapter of The Boxer.
Synopsis[]
Boxing journalist Peter Kent muses on K's final boxer and thinks to himself that this year's lightweight boxing championship will be a mess. With his colleague asking if he had a new scoop, Peter comments about K's new trainee and notes that he had managed to get his hands on some information, despite K's great security. He then wonders aloud what K was thinking, commenting that K had been training his boxer for two years. Elsewhere, Yu shows the fruits of two years of physical training.
At Lion Boxing Club, with K's team present, Manager Carmen discusses Yu's debut opponent in the form of John Taker, the "Rookie Killer". After describing John's traits, Carmen questions whether what Yu had done in the 2 years would be enough to take on John; K blandly replies that it was a worry.
Elsewhere, Peter observes John Taker training in his gym having come to interview him. Sitting him down, Peter interviews John on his upcoming fight with John giving provocative responses. Afterwards, John's trainer asks him how his interview went. John replies he provoked them in moderation before asking for inspiration and whether he'd beat his next opponent. His trainer tells him he had proven his strength, with John uplifted by his words.
Appearing Characters[]
- Note: Characters who are listed in bold and italics are appearing for the first time. List is ordered alphabetically.